Flexible Security Lock for Portable Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face increased theft risks due to their thin, light designs, which make it difficult to incorporate robust security locks without compromising form factor and weight, and existing locks are vulnerable to leverage-based tampering.
Innovation Solution
A flexible member is introduced between the key receptacle and lock hook, translating rotational forces while absorbing lateral forces, reducing leverage and enhancing security without increasing the system's weight or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a robust security lock is incorporated into the chassis, then security strength is improved, but form factor and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The security lock is divided into separate components: a lock body integrated into the chassis, a lock hook that couples to the lock body, and a flexible member connecting them. This segmentation allows the lock body to remain small and lightweight while the flexible member provides the necessary security function without adding significant weight to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member introduces dynamic flexibility to the lock assembly, allowing it to adapt to lateral forces and bending without transmitting excessive force to the lock body. This dynamic characteristic enables the use of a smaller, lighter lock body that would be insufficient in rigid lock designs.
2Strength
If a robust security lock is incorporated into the chassis, then security strength is improved, but form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lock into a compact lock body and a separate flexible member, the design concentrates the security function in a small area on the chassis while the flexible member extends the security function without increasing the chassis footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock hook nests within or couples closely to the lock body, and the flexible member connects them in a space-efficient manner. This nested arrangement allows the security mechanism to be integrated into the existing chassis structure without requiring additional space.
3Strength
If the lock anchor point is strengthened on the chassis, then security resistance to leverage is improved, but form factor and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member acts as an intermediary between the key receptacle and the lock body, absorbing lateral forces and bending without transmitting excessive force to the lock body anchor point. This intermediary function protects the anchor point from leverage-based attacks without requiring it to be heavily strengthened.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member changes the mechanical parameters of the force transmission path by introducing flexibility and bending capability. This allows the anchor point to withstand security forces without requiring increased strength, as the flexible member absorbs and redistributes the forces.
4Strength
If the lock anchor point is strengthened on the chassis, then security resistance to leverage is improved, but form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member serves as a mediator that protects the lock body anchor point from excessive lateral forces without requiring the anchor point to be enlarged or reinforced, thus maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the mechanical properties of the connection between the key receptacle and lock body through the flexible member, the design reduces the strength requirements of the anchor point while maintaining security effectiveness, thereby preserving the compact form factor.
5Strength
If a flexible member is introduced between key receptacle and lock hook, then leverage resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is a simple intermediary component that provides leverage resistance through its flexibility and bending capability. Despite adding a component, the overall complexity increase is minimal because the flexible member is a straightforward element that simplifies the force distribution in the lock mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the risk of damage to the portable information handling system by minimizing leverage against the security device, allowing for a more secure and lightweight design without compromising form factor or weight.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member flexes in response to lateral forces input at the key receptacle, such as forces off of the axis along which the lock hook inserts into the lock body. For example, the flexible member has a length sufficient to bend from the insertion axis to an axis perpendicular to the insertion axis without placing excessive force on the lock body.
Implementation Method 2
A flexible member disposed between a key receptacle and a lock hook translates inputs made at the key receptacle to the lock hook while reducing leverage of forces applied at the key receptacle against a lock body integrated in the information handling system.
Data Source
AI summary
A security device protects information handling systems from theft with a reduced footprint at the information handling system by interfacing a key receptacle with a lock hook through a flexible member, such as a coaxial cable. Rotation at the key receptacle by a key translates through the flexible member to the lock hook so that the lock hook rotates to a locked position in a lock body integrated with the information handling system chassis. The flexible member avoids or reduces leverage placed on the lock body through the security device.